San Antonio needs to beef up education efforts to embrace cybersecurity opportunities

Whenever I meet a college student who wants to study computer or information systems, I ask them if they have ever considered the security aspect of this industry. In response, most have a somewhat glazed look at the possibilities of working in this industry.

Most of today’s incoming college students want to design video games or something with more appeal. Cybersecurity, in my opinion is not something they want to pursue.

However, they should heed the remarks of Howard Schmidt, the White House cybersecurity coordinator. In an article from Washington Computer Weekly, Schmidt noted that ” the U.S. education system is failing to prepare future cyber warriors.

“We need to work on math and science training in our schools,” he said in an article written by Amber Corrin. “That relates directly to the future of cybersecurity.”

To that, I say “Amen.”

Ironically, my wife is one of those math and science teachers who influences a lot of students at her high school. If Schmidt wants to get someone from the “trenches” who could help impact policy on this issue, he should contact her or one of her colleagues.

Our city needs a big pipeline to fill the needs of the cybersecurity industry. Educators like my wife are the centers of influence that could push the best and brightest towards a career in this industry sector.